September 30, 2010

It's time for another confession. Back when all the Daring Bakers were making puff pastry from scratch, I was overwhelmed with feelings of respect, obviously, but also of smugness. I kept saying to myself "Suck-ahs!" because the ease of preparation and high quality of the storebought stuff has always been and will probably always be good enough for the Gracemeister.

I'm no fool--I understand that if successful, the pride and sense of accomplishment one would have after preparing puff pastry from scratch would be incredible. I can only assume that it tastes better than the Pepperidge Farm version too. So I tip my hat to you folks--well done!

Me, I'll stick with the easy stuff until I stumble upon the fountain of ambitiousness and take a drink. :)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
To prepare the goo, simply mix together the nuts, eggs, and sugar until well-combined.
Roll the thawed puff pastry into a large rectangle (9 x 12 inches, give or take) and make twelve 3-inch squares. Apply an egg wash to the top of each square. Plop about two tablespoons of goo onto each square and form it into a log on the bottom end. Roll the bottom about one-third of the way to the top and then fold the top down to meet it. Press gently to seal. Make four diagonal slits into the bear claw-in-progress. Pinch to form the traditional shape, egg wash the top, and sprinkle with sliced almonds. Repeat with second sheet.
Bake for 10-15 minutes or until nicely browned. Cool on wire rack and top with a powdered sugar glaze if so inclined.

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
Combine the sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Pour 1 cup of the glorious mixture on a flat surface. Unfold each sheet of puff pastry onto the sugar and pour 1/2 cup of the sugar mixture on top, spreading it evenly on the puff pastry. Roll the dough into a 12 x 12-inch square and press the sugar into the puff pastry on top and bottom. Fold the sides of the square towards the center so they go halfway to the middle. Fold them again so the two folds meet exactly at the middle of the dough. Then fold one half over the other half as though closing a book, making 6 layers. Slice the dough into 3/8-inch slices and place the slices, cut side up, on baking sheets lined with parchment paper. Repeat with second sheet.

Bake the cookies for 6 minutes until caramelized and brown on the bottom, then turn with a spatula and bake another 3 to 5 minutes, until caramelized on the other side. Transfer to a wire rack to cool.

I read a few months ago that Dufours frozen puff pastry was as good as homemade. And I think it's true. I can find it at Whole Foods, where I am definitely going this morning so I can make your delicious pastries! Your photos are particularly mouth watering today Grace!

Our dear Gracemeister has a very valid point about some things can still be store-bought and pulling off a great outcome. I, myself have still not gone in the direction of making my own puff pastry...although, one day, I'm sure I will have to just for the heck of it. Time is essential...and right now it's slightly minimized in my camp!

I've never tried my hand at homemade puff pastry...I guess it would be good to conquor, but the store-bought stuff is just to tasty and convenient for me right now. :) Your bear claws with that almond filling are calling to me!

OMG I did that daring bakers challenge and it sucked ass big time. If you recall my post they were like little hockey pucks of non fluffy butter dough. From now on it's frozen pre-made all the way. I love elephant ears by the way...delicious!

As long as you're not on Top Chef, store bought is certainly the way to go. Those elephant ears are gonna make their way into my kitchen as soon as this crazy heat wave subsides and I'm willing to turn on the oven again.

I have to admit, I haven't had a drink from the fountain of ambitiousness either! I'll try a lot of things from scratch but some things, I'm just not ready for yet! I would be ready to try one of your pastries though, do you deliver? ;)

Elephant ears, oh my!!! I WANT SOME NOW. Oh excuse my outburst. But I'm with you on the puff pastry. I don't know that I'm that ambitious. I don't think it looks that easy to make... I have a fear of failure.

I've never made puff pastry. Maybe one day when I have a lot of time on my hands and I'm feeling adventurous. Just maybe. But for now, that box of P.F. puff pastry in my freezer will do just nicely for these!

Hehe, ambitiously homemade - I wish! I have the ambition yet have never executed homemade pastry. I think I am halted by fear of failure. I really should just get over myself and give it a go :)These look scrumptious!Heidi xo

I've only made puff pastry once and that wasn't too successful so I still don't really know what homemade tastes like =) I love store bought anyway- and it makes really yummy stuff really easy to make! These bear claws look so good! I've never heard of bear's claws, but I love the name, and I love almost anything made with puff pastry so this sounds really really yummy!

Thanks Grace for the tipped hat. I do respect fast too. I must say though after using both, I WAY prefer the homemade one. FAR cheaper and much more. But thats not to say I havent opened the freezer door at the store and bought it a time or two. Must say that your recipe has tempted me into making it. Its about that time of year.

I like to try making things for myself but I'd say 99 out of 100 times I'm with you on turning to the store bought puff pastry. I don't think my waistline could afford me making it often enough to get good at it even if I wanted to. But, wow, those bear claws definitely look better than store bought! A grand compromise, I'd say, and an amazing breakfast treat!

I think I have made my own puff pastry once. It turned out very nicely, but truth be told, I couldn't really tell the difference, so I just keep buying it from the store when I need it (usually only once or twice a year, anyway).

When I went to go buy the ingredients for my husband's birthday wish...baklava. I accidentally reached a little to high in the freezer section and came home with some pastry dough instead of the phyllo dough I needed. I have been thinking and pondering what I would do with it...and now I know!!! These look delicious!

your photo reminded me of a conversation I had with my cousin Isabelle yesterday who was recalling her trip to the US and said she just adored these Auntie Something cinnamon rolls.. I have a friend who makes her own puff pastry but I would much rather buy mine ; besides it is too hot over here to make it! Love that roll oozing with gaze you have got here :)

Mmm I'm with you. Haven't reached the level of ambition to try many of the great baking challenges including homemade puff pastry. This looks really great and I can definitely appreciate the convenience of storebought during exam time.

How did I miss this awesome post? I must say these are very drool worthy sweets and I'm now craving me some puff pastry! But I'm with you Grace, I don't want to make it when I can go buy some pretty tasty stuff. That, and I'm just too lazy.

I'm not sure why I've never made elephant ears before, they are one of my most favorite sweets to eat! I don't make my own puff pastry either. Not that I wouldn't give a shot to see if I could do it, but there just wouldn't be a repeat performance, if ya know what I mean.